Terrorism and Counterterrorism | Council on Foreign Relations

Women and Terrorism

U.S. policymakers overlook the roles that women play in violent extremism—including as perpetrators, mitigators, and victims—and rarely enlist their participation in efforts to combat radicalization. This omission puts the United States at a disadvantage.

Report by Jamille Bigio and Rachel B. Vogelstein May 20, 2019

The Domestic U.S. Terror Threat: What to Know

The latest mass shootings have prompted calls for more vigorous action by U.S. counterterrorism authorities, but the target is elusive.

In Brief by Bruce Hoffman Aug 6, 2019

What Is Hezbollah?

Military experience gained fighting in Syria’s civil war and generous support from Iran have made the Shiite militant group a formidable foe for Israel. But at the same time, its political clout among Lebanon’s populace may be waning.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson Jul 30, 2024

Palestinian Territories

What Is Hamas?

The Palestinian militant group struggled to govern the Gaza Strip before launching a surprise attack on Israel in 2023. Now facing Israel’s military campaign to destroy it, Hamas’s future is in doubt, as is Gaza’s.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson August 19, 2024
Lebanon

What Is Hezbollah?

Military experience gained fighting in Syria’s civil war and generous support from Iran have made the Shiite militant group a formidable foe for Israel. But at the same time, its political clout among Lebanon’s populace may be waning.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson July 30, 2024
Defense and Security

The Security Challenge at the 2024 Paris Olympics

French authorities are particularly vigilant of the terrorist threat to the games posed by Islamist extremists, a danger the country has endured for decades.

In Brief by Jonathan Masters July 25, 2024

Experts in this Topic

John B. Bellinger III

Adjunct Senior Fellow for International and National Security Law

Richard K. Betts

Adjunct Senior Fellow for National Security Studies

Jared Cohen

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Richard A. Falkenrath

Senior Fellow for National Security

Bruce Hoffman

Shelby Cullom and Kathryn W. Davis Senior Fellow for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security

Ed Husain

Senior Fellow

Farah Pandith

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Gideon Rose

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Jacob Ware

Research Fellow

Matthew C. Waxman

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Law and Foreign Policy

Nigeria

The Forever Counterinsurgency

What if the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria is ‘programmed’ to continue in perpetuity?

Blog Post by Ebenezer Obadare and Natalie Caloca July 24, 2024 Africa in Transition
Election 2024

Trump Assassination Attempt Poses New Test for U.S. Democracy

After a shooting that injured former President Donald Trump and killed a spectator at a campaign rally, leaders of both parties must unite behind efforts to calm and stabilize the political climate.

Expert Brief by Jacob Ware July 14, 2024 National Security and Defense Program
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

That Old Time Religion: The G-7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on the West Bank

The G-7 foreign ministers' statement on the West Bank follows some old lines about the legitimacy of settlements, but ignores the issue of payments to reward terror.

Blog Post by Elliott Abrams July 12, 2024 Pressure Points

Israel

How Much of a Threat Does Hamas Still Pose to Israel?

Israel has made eliminating the threat from the Gaza-based militant group a central war aim, but it’s not entirely clear at what point that condition will be met.

Expert Brief by Bruce Hoffman June 14, 2024 National Security and Defense Program
Terrorism and Counterterrorism

The Spanish Inquisition, Part Two

Spain, a country where antisemitic attitudes are the highest in Western Europe, is taking the lead in trying to deprive Israel of the arms it needs to defend itself.

Blog Post by Elliott Abrams May 17, 2024 Pressure Points
Iran

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards

Conceived as the principal defenders of the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has evolved into an institution with vast political, economic, and military power.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors April 17, 2024
Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Preventing U.S. Election Violence in 2024

Violence around U.S. elections in 2024 could not only destabilize American democracy but also embolden autocrats across the world. Jacob Ware recommends that political leaders take steps to shore up civic trust and remove the opportunity for violence ahead of the 2024 election season.

Contingency Planning Memorandum by Jacob Ware April 17, 2024 Center for Preventive Action
Russia

Moscow Attack Shows Troubling, Lethal Reach of ISIS

The mass casualty theater attack in Moscow was a reminder that affiliates of the Islamic State have reorganized and infiltrated even powerful states.

In Brief by Bruce Hoffman March 23, 2024
Yemen

Iran’s Support of the Houthis: What to Know

Iranian support has boosted the military prowess of Yemen’s Houthis, helping them project force into the Red Sea. In return, the group has extended the reach of Iran’s anti-West axis of resistance.

In Brief by Kali Robinson March 1, 2024
United States

Why the Far-Right Terrorist Threat Is Often Misunderstood and Underestimated

Violent far-right extremism threatens minority communities, but its targets go far beyond just them.

Blog Post by Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware February 26, 2024 Renewing America
United Kingdom

Moving Past the Troubles: The Future of Northern Ireland Peace

The Good Friday Agreement has dampened sectarian conflict and brought stability to Northern Ireland, but the peace deal has been challenged by Brexit-related border tensions that have thrown the region’s hard-won gains into doubt.

Backgrounder by Charles Landow and James McBride February 16, 2024
Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Young Professionals Briefing: What to Worry About in 2024

Panelists discuss potential and ongoing crises that may erupt or escalate in 2024, as well as their global political implications. This event will explore the results of CFR’s 2024 Preventive Priorities Survey.

Virtual Event by Courtney Cooper, Elizabeth M. Hoffman, Paul B. Stares and Ali Wyne January 16, 2024 Center for Preventive Action